Chicago Police Department, Illinois
End of Watch Wednesday, December 13, 1967
Add to My HeroesJohn S. Collins
Patrolman John S. Collins was shot and killed while off duty when he attempted to apprehend a car thief in the Sears store parking lot at 79th Street and Kenwood Avenue.
He and his wife were Christmas shopping at a department store at 79th and Kenwood when their 10-year-old son got lost in the crowded store. Patrolman Collins and his wife thought the boy might return to the car and went to the parking lot to look for him. As they approached their car, they observed a man attempting to break into it. When Patrolman Collins asked the man what he was doing, the man replied that he apparently had mistaken the car for his own.
Patrolman Collins identified himself as a police officer. The man drew a revolver and grabbed Mrs. Collins as a shield. As Patrolman Collins drew his revolver the man fired one shot at him but missed. He then ran from the lot with Patrolman Collins in pursuit. When Patrolman Collins caught up with him in a gangway, a struggle ensued, and Patrolman Collins was fatally shot. He was transported to Jackson Park Hospital where he succumbed to his wounds.
The 25-year-old killer was apprehended and sentenced to death. On June 15th, 1973, he was resentenced to 100 to 200 years after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled all death sentences invalid.
Patrolman Collins is survived by his wife and son.
Bio
- Age 30
- Tour 1 year
- Badge 1835
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun
- Offender Sentenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 14 ReflectionsRest in peace Patrolman Collins.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
April 6, 2019
Recent LODD Deaths

Deputy Sheriff Thomas Albanese
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: February 25, 2021

Corrections Officer IV Vicky James
Texas Department of Criminal Justice - Correctional Institutions Division, TX
EOW: February 10, 2021

Corrections Officer IV Tawiwo Obele
Texas Department of Criminal Justice - Correctional Institutions Division, TX
EOW: February 16, 2021

Officer Genaro Guerrero
United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - Office of Field Operations, US
EOW: February 15, 2021

Chief of Police Tony M. Jordan
Middleburg Borough Police Department, PA
EOW: January 13, 2021

Lieutenant Frank Arnold
California Department of Developmental Services - Office of Protective Services, CA
EOW: January 22, 2021

Natural Resources Officer Jason Lagore
Ohio Department of Natural Resources - Division of State Parks and Watercraft, OH
EOW: February 23, 2021

Lieutenant Eugene Lasco
Indiana Department of Correction, IN
EOW: February 21, 2021

Police Officer Horacio Dominguez
Miccosukee Tribal Police Department, TR
EOW: February 21, 2021